The ASPCA has announced that it will award up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics serving vulnerable animals throughout the United States. The funding is intended to help organizations address some of the most pressing challenges facing animal welfare today, including shelter capacity needs and the ongoing shortage of accessible spay/neuter services.

Ohio Animal Advocates is fortunate to have dedicated supporters who contribute not only their expertise, but also their time, passion, and generosity. One of those supporters is Deb Molinaro, OAA's Chief Financial Officer. Since joining the organization in early 2024, Deb has helped guide OAA's financial operations while also supporting the organization's mission through personal donations and volunteer service. We recently sat down with Deb to learn more about her missionary work in Peru, her commitment to animal advocacy, and the beloved dog who inspired her passion for helping animals.

Animal advocates across the United Kingdom are celebrating significant progress for greyhound welfare after lawmakers in both Wales and Scotland voted to ban greyhound racing. The decisions mark a major shift in how governments are evaluating the welfare impacts of animal-based entertainment and reflect growing concerns about the risks greyhounds face in the racing industry.

A recent policy shift from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has created confusion and concern for many people who rely on emotional support animals (ESAs) as part of their disability accommodations.

While HUD has announced changes to how it handles certain ESA-related complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act, it is important to understand that state and local protections for people with disabilities and emotional support animals may still remain fully intact.

Vaccines have become one of the most emotionally charged public health conversations of the past decade. What was once primarily a debate surrounding human medicine has now spilled into the world of companion animals and according to recent research, the consequences could be devastating for both dogs and people.

In a recent article titled “Vaccine Hesitancy Now Affects Dogs, Putting Humans at Risk,” psychologist and canine researcher Stanley Coren explores the growing number of pet owners choosing not to vaccinate their dogs. The article cites studies showing that approximately 22 percent of dog owners in the United States are now considered vaccine hesitant.

From community cats to equines, wildlife protection to anti-cruelty advocacy, Ohio Animal Advocates works every day to create a more humane future for animals across our state. During OAA Giving Week, May 25th to May 29th, supporters have the opportunity to directly fuel that work and make an even bigger impact for Ohio’s animals.

That means every donation goes even further to support advocacy, education, collaboration, and lifesaving programs throughout Ohio.

As conversations around climate change continue to grow, many people are reevaluating the impact of their daily choices, from transportation to fashion to the food they eat. Increasingly, that conversation also includes what we feed our companion animals.

A recent article published by Ohio Animal Foundation, explored the rise of sustainable pet food options, highlighting alternatives like insect-based proteins, responsibly sourced fish, regional ingredients, and upcycled food products. The article sparked an important conversation about how the products we purchase for our pets can also impact the environment, agriculture systems, and animal welfare on a larger scale.

Advocates, animal lovers, and community members gathered in protest following the tragic death of Orelha, a beloved community dog from Brazil whose story has sparked outrage around the world. What happened in New York wasn’t just a demonstration. It was part of a growing, global demand for accountability in cases of animal cruelty.

This month, we’re highlighting Evie is a Dog, NOT a Robot: Understanding Assistance Dogs by Jennifer Gravrok, a heartfelt and accessible story that gently reshapes how we think about assistance animals.

A recent case in North Royalton is a stark reminder that animal cruelty doesn’t always happen out in the open and when it does surface, it often reveals a much deeper issue. A video circulating on social media shows a dog walker striking a dog named Smokey with a leash and aggressively pulling her during a walk. The footage is difficult to watch. Smokey appears visibly terrified, and for her guardian, the experience was both shocking and heartbreaking.

A recent house fire in Gustavus Township, Ohio brought emergency responders to the scene, but what was discovered inside highlighted something bigger than the fire itself.

Multiple animals were found on the property, including dogs, horses, and birds. While some animals did not survive, others were rescued and are now receiving care. As more details emerge, this case is expected to lead to further investigation and potential charges.

There’s a moment that happens for many people who care about animals. It’s the point where awareness shifts into something deeper—a realization that suffering isn’t distant or rare, but ongoing and often hidden within systems we don’t regularly question. A recent conversation on the Species Unite Podcast, featuring animal advocate Rose Patterson from Animal Rising, brings this tension into focus and invites a broader reflection on what it really means to take action.